Andorra - Learn about the Geography and History of Europes Andorra

Andorra is an independent principality that is co-governed by Spain and France. It is located in southwestern Europe between France and Spain and it is entirely landlocked. Much of Andorras topography is dominated by the Pyrenees Mountains. Andorras capital city is Andorra la Vella and its elevation of 3,356 feet (1,023 m) makes it the highest capital city in Europe. The country is known for its history, interesting and isolated location, and high life expectancy. Fast Facts: Andorra Official Name: Principality of Andorra Capital: Andorra la VellaPopulation: 85,708 (2018)Official Languages: French, Castilian, PortugueseCurrency: Euro (EUR)Form of Government: Parliamentary democracyClimate: Temperate; snowy, cold winters and warm, dry summersTotal Area: 181 square miles (468 square kilometers)Highest Point: Pic de Coma Pedrosa at 9,666 feet (2,946 meters)Lowest Point: Riu Runer at 2,756 feet (840 meters) History of Andorra Andorra has a long history that dates back to the time of Charlemagne. According to the U.S. Department of State, most historical accounts claim that Charlemagne granted a charter to the region of Andorra in return for fighting against the Muslim Moors advancing from Spain. By the 800s, the Count of Urgell became the leader of Andorra. Later, a descendant of the Count of Urgell gave control of Andorra to the diocese of Urgell led by the Bishop of Seu dUrgell. By the 11th century, the head of the diocese of Urgell put Andorra under the protection of the Spanish, under the Lord of Caboet, because of growing conflicts from neighboring regions. Shortly thereafter, a French noble became the heir to the Lord of Caboet. This led to conflict between the French and Spanish over who would control Andorra. As a result of this conflict, in 1278 a treaty was signed and Andorra was to be shared between Frances Count of Foix and Spains Bishop of Seu dUrgell. This led to joint sovereignty. From this time until the 1600s, Andorra gained some independence but control often shifted back and forth between France and Spain. In 1607, Frances King Henry IV made Frances head of government and the Bishop of Seu dUrgell co-princes of Andorra. The region has been ruled as a co-principality between the two countries ever since. During its modern history, Andorra remained isolated from much of Europe and the rest of the world outside of Spain and France due to its small size and the difficulty involved with traveling there because of its rugged topography. Recently, however, Andorra has begun to grow into a tourist European center as a result of improved communications and transportation development. In addition, Andorra still has very close ties to France and Spain, but it is more closely tied to Spain. The official language of Andorra is Català ¡n. Government of Andorra Andorra, officially called the Principality of Andorra, is a parliamentary democracy governed as a co-principality. The two princes of Andorra are the president of France and the Bishop Seu dUrgell of Spain. These princes are represented in Andorra via representatives from each and make up the countrys executive branch of government. The legislative branch in Andorra consists of a unicameral General Council of the Valleys, whose members are elected via popular election. Its judicial branch is made up of the Tribunal of Judges, Tribunal of the Courts, the Supreme Court of Justice of Andorra, the Supreme Council of Justice, and the Constitutional Tribunal. Andorra is divided into seven different parishes for local administration. Economics and Land Use in Andorra Andorra has a relatively small, well-developed economy that is based mainly on tourism, commerce and the financial industry. The main industries in Andorra are cattle, timber, banking, tobacco, and furniture manufacturing. Tourism is also a major part of Andorras economy and it is estimated that around nine million people visit the tiny country each year. Agriculture is also practiced in Andorra but it is limited because of its rugged topography. The main agricultural products of the country are rye, wheat, barley, vegetables, and sheep. Geography and Climate of Andorra Andorra is located in southwestern Europe on the border between France and Spain. It is one of the worlds smallest countries with an area of just 180 square miles (468 sq km). Most of Andorras topography consists of rugged mountains (the Pyrenees Mountains) and very small, narrow valleys between the peaks. The highest point in the country is Pic de Coma Pedrosa at 9,665 feet (2,946 m), while the lowest is Riu Runer at 2,756 feet (840 m). The climate of Andorra is considered temperate and it generally has cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers. Andorra la Vella, the capital and largest city of Andorra, has an average annual temperature range of 30 degrees (-1ËšC) in January to 68 degrees (20ËšC) in July. Sources Central Intelligence Agency. CIA - The World Factbook - Andorra.Infoplease.com. Andorra: History, Geography, Government, and Culture- Infoplease.com.United States Department of State. Andorra.